Anderson best to come - Caddick

Former England seamer Andy Caddick believes the world has still not seen the best of James Anderson, even though he is now the complete bowler.

Anderson, who turned 31 this week, has tormented Australia in the early part of this summer's Ashes series, which England lead 2-0.

The Lancashire paceman was named man of the match after taking 10 wickets in the opening Test win at Trent Bridge and is now hoping to help England clinch series victory at his home ground of Old Trafford this week.

Caddick said: "He is in his prime now but he has got a few years left in him yet. I think we will see a lot better bowling from Jimmy.

"Now he is the finished article, he knows his game. When you start knowing your game as a bowler you are going to continue doing well."

One frustration for Caddick is that he feels Anderson does not receive enough support from his fellow seam bowlers.

Stuart Broad, with whom Anderson shared the new ball in the second Test, has taken just four wickets in the series while Steven Finn was dropped after Nottingham.

Caddick, who played 62 Tests for England between 1993 and 2003, said: "Jimmy spearheads the pace attack, he has done for the last two or three years. Without him I think we would struggle. We haven't got as consistent bowlers in the background.

"Of the first and second-change bowlers, which we need, Finn has struggled, Broad has been hit and miss - he has done quite well then he hasn't - and now (Tim) Bresnan has come in.

"At the end of the day we need a bit more consistency. Jimmy has shown true consistency for the last two or three years. I think we need the rest to step up to the plate a little bit more."

Finn, 24, was not even included in the squad for Old Trafford but Caddick expects him to return an improved bowler in the future.

He believes Anderson, who made his debut a decade ago, is a good example to follow with the Lancastrian having been in and out of the side for several years before establishing himself.

Caddick, 44, said: "Jimmy had a struggle. He went away and worked on his game, to his credit. He has come back a better bowler.

"That is what pace bowlers need to do. They need to play a lot more county cricket, learn their trade. Find their consistent form and bring it to test level. Finny has got a long time ahead of him. He is a fantastic bowler."